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Use of software with known vulnerabilities in development

Need​

Mitigation of software vulnerabilities in development environments

Context​

  • Usage of Java 8 for developing applications with enhanced features and performance improvements
  • Usage of javax.servlet-api for developing Java web applications with Servlet technology

Description​

Non compliant code​

import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletResponse;
import javax.servlet.ServletException;

public class VulnerableServlet extends javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet {
    protected void doPost(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
        String param = request.getParameter("param");
        // process the parameter
    }

    protected void doGet(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
        // process GET request
    }
}

The above code represents a Servlet that uses the javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet class, which is a part of the Java Servlet API. This class provides methods, such as doPost() and doGet(), for handling HTTP requests.

The vulnerability in this code lies in the use of an outdated or vulnerable version of the javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet class. If the version of the servlet API that is being used is known to have security vulnerabilities, then any servlets that are created using this API will also be vulnerable to these security issues.

For instance, if there is a known vulnerability in the version of the servlet API that allows for HTTP response splitting, then this servlet would be vulnerable to HTTP response splitting attacks. This could allow an attacker to manipulate HTTP responses in a way that could lead to a variety of attacks, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or cache poisoning.

In order to fix this vulnerability, it is necessary to update the version of the servlet API that is being used to a version that does not have the known vulnerabilities. This could involve updating the version of the servlet API in the project's dependencies or migrating to a different API that provides similar functionality but without the known vulnerabilities.

Steps​

  • Regularly update software and dependencies to the latest versions.
  • Monitor security advisories and vulnerability databases for any known vulnerabilities in the software or dependencies being used.
  • Perform regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the system.
  • Implement a robust patch management process to ensure that any identified vulnerabilities are promptly patched.
  • Consider using a software composition analysis tool to identify and manage vulnerabilities in third-party dependencies.
  • Follow secure coding practices to minimize the risk of introducing vulnerabilities in the code.
  • Implement a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) that includes security testing and code review processes.
  • Establish a process for tracking and managing vulnerabilities in the development environment, including prioritizing and addressing them in a timely manner.
  • Educate developers and other stakeholders about the importance of using software and dependencies with no known vulnerabilities.

Compliant code​

import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletResponse;
import javax.servlet.ServletException;

public class SecureServlet extends javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet {
    protected void doPost(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
        String param = request.getParameter("param");
        // process the parameter
    }

    protected void doGet(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
        // process GET request
    }
}

The above code is a revised version of the original servlet that was using a version of a software or dependency with known vulnerabilities. The new code does not directly fix the vulnerability but represents a servlet that should be used in a secure environment where all software and dependencies are up-to-date and free from known vulnerabilities.

The servlet extends javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet and overrides doPost and doGet methods to handle POST and GET requests respectively. The doPost method retrieves a parameter from the request and processes it. The doGet method is intended to process GET requests.

To ensure the security of the servlet and the application as a whole, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Regularly update all software and dependencies to their latest versions to benefit from the latest security patches and improvements.
  2. Monitor security advisories and vulnerability databases to stay informed about any known vulnerabilities in the software or dependencies being used.
  3. Perform regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the system.
  4. Implement a robust patch management process to ensure that any identified vulnerabilities are promptly patched.
  5. Consider using a software composition analysis tool to identify and manage vulnerabilities in third-party dependencies.
  6. Follow secure coding practices to minimize the risk of introducing vulnerabilities in the code.
  7. Implement a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) that includes security testing and code review processes.
  8. Establish a process for tracking and managing vulnerabilities in the development environment, including prioritizing and addressing them in a timely manner.
  9. Educate developers and other stakeholders about the importance of using software and dependencies with no known vulnerabilities.

References​

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